CXR in MERS-CoV

Q: In the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus (MERS-CoV), chest X-ray tends to be abnormal in almost 100% of the cases?

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

In contrast to the COVID-19 virus, MERS-CoV is usually more severe if contracted. The chances of going on a ventilator are more than 70%. 

Available epidemiology till date, all the patients have abnormal CXR, which can range from minimal to marked. Findings have no described pattern, which can be anything -  from increased bronchial markings, opacities, and infiltrates to pleural effusions. A CT scan usually shows ground-glass opacity in a peripheral location.

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References:

1. Assiri A, Al-Tawfiq JA, Al-Rabeeah AA, et al. Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 47 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease from Saudi Arabia: a descriptive study. Lancet Infect Dis 2013; 13:752.

2. Das KM, Lee EY, Al Jawder SE, et al. Acute Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Temporal Lung Changes Observed on the Chest Radiographs of 55 Patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015; 205:W267.

3. Ajlan AM, Ahyad RA, Jamjoom LG, et al. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection: chest CT findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2014; 203:782.

4. Das KM, Lee EY, Langer RD, Larsson SG. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: What Does a Radiologist Need to Know? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2016; 206:1193.